Tropical Storm Chantal brought over 10 inches of rain to central NC: State of emergency, flooding
Heavy rainfall from the storm will continue to result in flash flood concerns across portions of the Delmarva, New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, and life-threatening surf conditions and rip currents will likely continue at beaches along the East Coast. However, Chantal, now in the post-tropical cyclone phase, is no longer affecting N.C. as of Monday morning, July 7.
As the water begins to recede in N.C., here's what we know about the effects of Chantal in the state, including rainfall amounts, effects of severe flooding and more.
How much rain fell in North Carolina?
NWS Meteorologist Tom Green told the Citizen Times that the highest observation in the Raleigh-Durham area was 11.91 inches in 24 hours, reported 2 miles north of Moncure in Chatham County.
Another nine sites reported at least 9 inches of rain, all located in Chatham and Orange Counties. Cities effected included Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, Hillsborough, Carrboro, Durham, Efland, Siler City and Mebane.
Where did it flood in North Carolina? Chapel Hill, NC flooding and more
Serious flooding affected central N.C. due to the effects of Tropical Storm Chantal, with weather services and county and city authorities issuing statements throughout the past 24 hours.
Chatham County, home to Goldston, Pittsboro, Siler City and part of Cary, stated on X at roughly 9 p.m. July 6 that over 100 roads across the county were flooded.
Orange County, home to Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and parts of Durham and Mebane, also reported "significant flooding" of 5-9 inches across the county, prompting the opening of an emergency shelter for displaced residents.
NWS Raleigh posted on X that the Haw River at Haw River crested at 32.5 feet at 4:45 a.m. on Monday, July 7, the second highest river stage ever reported at the site. The record was set in 1996, when Hurricane Fran caused the river to swell to 32.83 feet.
North Carolina state of emergency
In a July 7 statement from Gov. Josh Stein, the governor named counties in which local states of emergency have been declared including Alamance, Moore and Orange Counties. He also mentioned reports of flooding in Durham County.
'I am grateful to the first responders who are keeping people safe and for the proactive work of emergency management professionals and the North Carolina Department of Transportation,' said Stein in the statement. 'I urge all North Carolinians to listen to any guidance from local weather and local emergency management officials and be aware of any road warnings and closures before they leave the house.'
North Carolina closed roads
As of Stein's 12:18 p.m. statement, the NC Department of Transportation had reopened several major roads previously closed due to flooding, including I-40/85 in Alamance County. However, about 120 roads remained closed.
Never attempt to pass through standing water on roads. For real-time travel information including info on closed roads, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
Asheville, NC flooding? Did it flood in Western NC?
The NWS confirmed to the Citizen Times that there was no significant rainfall in WNC.
North Carolina tornadoes?
Tornadoes were another concern for central N.C. during the storms. Green told the Citizen Times that, as of early afternoon Monday, July 7, surveyors did not have information available on any tornadoes that may have occurred.
North Carolina dam failures?
While no dam failures have been reported as of early afternoon Monday, July 7, several notices were posted earlier about concerns. Orange County posted a voluntary evacuation order on X at 11:55 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, warning of the possibility of Lake Michael Dam failure.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
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